Eligibility, Resources and Forms
Recertification is available to eligible full-time officers, part-time officers, reserve officers, officers on leave or suspension, and retired officers that work details.
The recertification process is governed by the Recertification Regulations (555 CMR 7.00) and is based on the principles described in those regulations:
- Agencies apply for recertification on behalf of officers.
- The agency head makes (or declines to make) an attestation to the good moral character and fitness for duty as a law enforcement officer for each individual officer. In the case of the Chief, their appointing authority makes such attestation.
The agency head or designee submits recertification applications through the LEA Portal. Recertification applications are reviewed by POST on a rolling basis. An application submitted for an officer who has outstanding requirements may not have a decision issued immediately.
After a certification notice is issued to an officer, it becomes accessible to the agency head or their designee through the LEA Portal. Although POST distributes periodic certification updates to Departments, the portal offers real-time access to the most up-to-date information.
Issues Impacting Recertification
Non-Attestation of Good Moral Character
The possession of character and fitness is a mandatory requirement for recertification under Section 4(f) and 4(i) of Chapter 6E. Agencies must provide a written explanation for declining to attest to an officer’s good moral character.
In the event that the head of an agency does not attest to an officer’s character and fitness, please complete the recertification application within the LEA Portal, and email the Non-Attestation Form to [email protected]. A copy must also be provided to the officer.
The Division of Certification makes an initial determination on whether an officer has good character and fitness for employment, based on all available information. This includes attestations, agency reports, and officer responses. The division may also seek additional relevant information to support its determination.
Officer Separation from Employment After Application Submitted/Before Certification is Issued
If an officer leaves the agency after an application is submitted on their behalf, but before a certification has been issued, please contact POST as soon as possible. Whether the officer has resigned/retired in good standing, resigned/retired in lieu of discipline, or has been terminated may impact their certification. If the officer has retired, please specify whether this officer has retired completely, or whether they are working details (either with your agency or another, to the best of your knowledge). Use the Officer Status Update form to notify POST of any changes.
Officers Denied Full Recertification Can Seek Review by Executive Director
Pursuant to 555 CMR 7.10, officers who are denied full recertification by the Division of Certification have the right to request a review by the Commission’s Executive Director. To initiate this review, officers must submit a completed petition form via email to [email protected], and provide a copy to their employing agency within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the notification, or within such additional time as may be granted by the Commission.
Officers may pursue further review of the Executive Director’s decision in accordance with MA General Law (MGL) Chapter 30A, Section 13.
While the review process is ongoing, the officer will be considered conditionally certified, and therefore certified under Chapter 6E. However, if at the conclusion of that period the officer’s certification is not upheld, Section 4G of Chapter 6E prohibits any Massachusetts law enforcement agency from appointing or employing the officer as a law enforcement officer, unless and until the Commission takes further action to grant the officer some form of certification.
Events
